John A.

Tacoma Center YMCA

For many, creating a healthy fitness routine is like learning a new language. Whether it's learning a new language or developing a new habit, repetition helps. For John, a member of the Tacoma Center YMCA since 2010, he began to see personal growth in his life when he started taking better care of himself. He says it has been the best decision he has ever made. But taking care of himself didn’t always come naturally.

As a retiree, John decided that he wanted to go back to school to continue his education and challenge himself. He started studying philosophy and eventualled earned the Outstanding Student award in his program.

“Just like in philosophy, you learn to realize responsibility you have to take care of yourself and understand those actions,” says John. “Taking care of myself in spirit, mind, and body is something the Y taught me.”

An avid swimmer, John exercises at the Tacoma Center Y Aquatic Center six days a week.

“The Y has given me valuable tools to deal with health issues like diabetes,” says John. “It’s a positive environment with everything from yoga to swimming and I am grateful.”